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Contributor: NYC Renovation Q's

NYC Renovation Q's

The inside scoop on renovating in NYC.

Latest "NYC Renovation Q's" Articles

NYC Renovation Questions: Can I move a gas line?

by Tracy Kaler | 5/08/13 - 1:33 PM

Q. I want to expand my kitchen into my dining room but there's a gas line in the way that's connected to my gas meter. Can I move it or do I have to work around it?
A. It sounds like...
NYC Renovation Questions: What should I ask when checking my contractor's references?

by Tracy Kaler | 4/24/13 - 8:57 AM

Q. I'm in the process of hiring a contractor for my renovations. What questions should I ask his references?
A. First off, ask each candidate for a minimum of three references. Any legitimate contractor...
How to put a washer-dryer in your NYC co-op (or condo)

by Tracy Kaler | 4/10/13 - 8:51 AM

Q. I want to install a washer/dryer in my co-op apartment. What should I know?
A. If you’re tired of traipsing up and down from your basement--or worse, back and forth to the Laundromat--you may be...
NYC Renovation Questions: Countertop problems in my kitchen -- should I fix, replace or request a discount?

by Tracy Kaler | 3/27/13 - 8:50 AM

Q. My kitchen renovation is done. One of the problems is a less-than-perfect granite countertop, which in essence runs through the whole kitchen and pantry areas -- 35 linear feet of granite, and then some...
NYC Renovation Questions: Murphy beds may be more practical than you think

by Tracy Kaler | 3/13/13 - 12:38 PM

Q. I’m about to move into a tiny studio, and am considering a murphy bed. What should I know?
A. Murphy beds -- also known a hide-a-beds or wall beds -- are most attractive when they're...
NYC Renovation Questions: What's involved in replacing a toilet?

by Tracy Kaler | 2/27/13 - 9:08 AM

Q. I'm thinking about replacing my old toilet. What's involved in that? How much will it cost? Also I've recently heard of some fancy toilets like the ...
NYC Renovation Questions: What are the best paint colors for an apartment?

by Tracy Kaler | 2/13/13 - 8:58 AM

Q. I want to paint my apartment and I'm overwhelmed by the choices. Any tips?
A. First things first: Buy a paint color fan deck, available at any paint store for around $10-$15. This color swatch...
NYC Renovation Questions: Where to turn when something goes wrong after the contractor leaves

by Tracy Kaler | 1/30/13 - 8:58 AM

Q: My renovation was finished 18 months ago, and I’m already noticing some things aren’t holding up as well as I expected. What can I do? Who’s responsible?
A. Every renovation project requires a certain...
NYC Renovation Questions: How much do architects charge?

by Tracy Kaler | 1/16/13 - 8:58 AM

Q. How are architects compensated? Do they negotiate their fees?
A. Methods of compensation vary depending on the architect.
The two most common options are a fixed fee or a percentage of the cost...
NYC Renovation Questions: What should I know about converting a tub to a walk-in shower?

by Tracy Kaler | 1/02/13 - 9:22 AM

Q. I want to convert my bathtub into a walk-in shower in my apartment. How hard is that, and is it a good idea?
A. If you have just one bathroom in your apartment, losing a tub is probably not...
NYC Renovation Questions: What should I know about replacing wood floors in a pre-war apartment?

by Tracy Kaler | 12/12/12 - 8:56 AM

Q. I am buying a prewar apartment and the hardwood floors do not appear to be in good condition. What should I know about replacing them? How can I keep costs down?
A. The first thing to know--whether...
NYC Renovation Questions: 7 things to consider before wallpapering your apartment

by Tracy Kaler | 11/28/12 - 8:56 AM

Q. I’m considering installing wallpaper in my apartment. Is it a good idea? What should I know?
A. Interior wall treatments go far beyond a gallon of paint, and it’s a bright idea to think outside the...
NYC Renovation Questions: Does renovating a kitchen pay off when you sell?

by Tracy Kaler | 10/18/12 - 10:18 AM

Q. Is there any evidence that renovating a kitchen in NYC actually pays off in the end in regard to resale value?
A. Generally speaking, kitchens that need to be updated are often a...
NYC Renovation Questions: Getting that punch list completed (without coming to blows)

by Tracy Kaler | 10/04/12 - 10:31 AM

Q. The last time I renovated, there were so many little things that didn't get done after the money was paid. Any tips on getting the punch list completed the next go-around?
...
NYC Renovation Questions: A few things to consider before combining those apartments...

by Tracy Kaler | 9/20/12 - 3:50 PM

Q. I love my apartment, neighborhood and building, but I’m running out of space. I’m considering buying an adjacent apartment and combining it with mine. What should I know before taking this on?
A...
NYC Renovation Questions: 6 great ideas you'll regret having

by Tracy Kaler | 9/05/12 - 8:59 AM

Q. I'm looking to renovate and don't know where to start. Are there any seemingly great ideas that have gone awry I should be wary of?
A. Even the most premeditated renovation can...
NYC Renovation Questions: Why is it so expensive to renovate in New York City? And what can I do about it?

by Tracy Kaler | 8/22/12 - 8:48 AM

Q. Why is renovation in NYC so expensive? And what can I do to cut costs without resorting to a shady contractor?
A. Life in New York City doesn’t come cheap, and neither does renovation.
Let's...
NYC Renovation Questions: Galley kitchens necessary and not so evil, especially if you get creative

by Tracy Kaler | 7/25/12 - 8:06 AM

Q. I'd like to remodel my galley kitchen. What should I know in advance?
A. Galley kitchens--those with two parallel walls so common in postwar NYC apartments--may be compact, but they’re no less...
NYC Renovation Questions: Should I consider concrete for my kitchen countertops?

by Tracy Kaler | 7/11/12 - 8:37 AM

Q. I’m thinking about putting in concrete countertops. What are the pros and cons? How does it compare to granite countertops? How does it affect resale value?
A. When it...
NYC Renovation Questions: How can I keep noise, dust and odors to a minimum so my neighbors don't hate me?

by Emmalie Vance and Lucy Cohen Blatter | 4/25/12 - 8:41 AM

Q. How do I make sure to stay on my neighbors’ good sides when I’m renovating? I’m concerned about the smells, dust and noise annoying them.
A: First, keep an open line of communication with your...

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